Asbestosis

Asbestos exposure may also raise the chance of asbestosis (a pulmonary inflammatory disease that causes shortness of breath, coughing, and chronic lung damage) and other non-malignant lung and pleural illnesses, such as pleural plaques (changes in the membranes surrounding the lung).

What are the three health problems associated with asbestos exposure?

Exposure to asbestos fibers causes asbestos illnesses. Mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer are all malignant asbestos illnesses. Asbestosis, COPD, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural effusion, and atelectasis are all nonmalignant asbestos illnesses.

How long does it take to develop asbestosis after being exposed to it?

Symptoms may not develop for 20 to 30 years.

What happens if you inhale asbestos for the first time?

Breathing asbestos fibers increases your risk of developing asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, among other deadly diseases. Asbestos exposure may raise the risk of digestive system cancers, such as colon cancer.

What is the best way to tell if you have asbestos in your lungs?

An x-ray (fibrosis appears hazy on chest x-rays) or a lung function test can be used to identify asbestosis. Asbestosis is more likely to develop in smokers than in non-smokers. If you've ever been exposed to asbestos, it's critical to quit smoking to lower your risk of developing asbestosis.

Will an asbestos mask keep you safe?

A dust mask does exactly what it's designed to do: it keeps typical dust out. However, merely preventing asbestos particles is insufficient. Wearing a simple mask from Lowe's or Home Depot won't provide you with the necessary protection or prevent you from developing mesothelioma.